Both Sides Now
“Both Sides Now”, Mixed Media Painting by Mary Lou Dauray - 45” x 45”
I created this artwork a few years ago following a visit to the mountains of eastern Tennessee – an area graced by the spectacular subrange of the ancient Appalachian Mountains. It was an idyllic time there.
I have chosen to post this picture now because the creek pictured is geographically close to similar creeks in the Appalachian Mountain valleys of eastern Kentucky where the coursing streams recently became terrifying torrents of rushing water destroying everything in their wake. The process involved in painting an image of a beautiful stream surrounded by verdant trees and abundant wildflowers soothes the soul, yet a calm flowing stream can also become a deluge of damaging rushing water – both sides of the same coin. Hence, I now use the title “Both Sides Now”. (When you have a moment, please watch the song “Both Sides Now”, sung by Joni Mitchell.)
Flash floods occur when torrential rains fall within a very short period of time. The water has nowhere to go when it hits the soil…especially where the grounds are already saturated. It is becoming evident more moisture exists in the atmosphere now because of significant warming due to the burning of fossil fuels. I picture this as the atmosphere becoming saturated with excessive heat caused by this burning. We have created an upside-down oven where the temperature is turned onto high.
“This means the risk of flooding is going up dramatically over much of the planet where people live, and Kentucky is one of those places. The evidence is clear that climate change is a growing problem for Kentucky and the surrounding region.“
Yang, Maya. (2022, July 31) Kentucky grapples with effect of climate crisis as floods leave trail of devastation. The Guardian.
Here is how to get involved helping those harmed by the destruction caused by the flash flooding in Kentucky:
Appalachian Regional Healthcare Foundation Flood Relief Fund: ARH is taking monetary donations online. If you’d like to donate cleaning supplies, non-perishable food items or water, they’re being accepted at their Lexington, Ky. office at 2260 Executive Drive.
Foundation for Appalachian Kentucky Crisis Fund: The Foundation for Appalachian Kentucky has created a crisis fund for flood victims.
My work and my writing often reflect current situations and events. The painting, "Both Sides Now", hangs in my living room because I enjoy the sense of beauty and calm it provides. While looking at it with new eyes recently, I also realized how closely it reflects the flooding happening in Eastern Kentucky, another example of how real life can inform my art.
Until next time,
Mary Lou Dauray
Art Tip
The “Both Sides Now” oil painting on canvas was glued onto a 4” x 4” piece of plywood. I then attached scraps of wood onto the plywood all around the canvas — sort of a Louise Nevelson look — and then painted all the wood with a black matte gesso. I felt that the black border suited the artwork very well.